Latest progress on water sports centre

Work on Porthcawl’s new water sports centre in Rest Bay is progressing well ahead of the facility opening later in the summer.

The new centre will provide a base for local water sports groups and clubs as well as offering a café/bistro upstairs, an ice cream kiosk downstairs, and toilet facilities, showers, changing cubicles, a function room and more.

The building’s design also incorporates solar technology, a covered area for dog walkers and glazed panels to make the most out of the stunning coastal views.

The centre is being built by Bridgend County Borough Council as part of the ‘Porthcawl Resort Infrastructure Focus’ project using £1.6m of EU funding from the Welsh Government’s new Tourism Attractor Destination programme.

Launched by Visit Wales to create 13 must-see tourist attractions across 11 destinations throughout Wales, the overall £61.8m programme will utilise a total of £27.7m worth of EU funds.

The same programme has also funded the refurbishment of Porthcawl’s historic harbour kiosk so that it can provide the adjacent Marina with toilets, showers and other facilities.

It was marvellous to have a close look at the latest progress on the new water sports centre which has been funded by European money and is being built by Cardiff firm Henstaff Construction.

The project is expected to be completed at some time in August. I can’t yet announce who the tenants will be as lease agreements are currently under discussion, but hopefully an announcement will be made soon.

However, I can say that the tendering process was based on criteria primarily concerning quality, and that the successful applicants have excellent track records. I’m sure that local residents will be pleased and are looking forward to the completion of this iconic new development that will further establish Porthcawl’s status as a leading coastal destination.”

Councillor Charles Smith, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration